San Francisco, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was suspended nine games without pay on Friday for violating the NFL's Policy and Program for Substance of Abuse and the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

Smith can return in Week 11 against the New York Giants, as the 49ers have a Week 8 bye.

In July, Smith was sentenced to 11 days in jail and three years' probation on weapons and DUI charges, leading to this most recent suspension.

Smith voluntarily took a leave of absence from the 49ers last year to seek help for a substance abuse problem, missing five games.

He has been one of the NFL's elite pass rushers since being drafted No. 7 overall by the 49ers in 2011. He has 42 sacks in just three seasons, but has had numerous run-ins with the law.